Chatting about Humor

According to the Contemporary Chinese Dictionary, "humor" comes from Latin, originally meaning "damp", and was later used as a medical term meaning "liquid". After the European Renaissance, it extended into the areas of art and social life. In modern times, the word "humor" has become an aesthetic concept. Now it refers to the fact that life should not be dry and dull, or something is interesting enough to make one at ease, amused or entertained.
Humor is the crystallization of wit, knowledge, and resourcefulness. It is also indispensable to our work, study, family, society, and life in general. A Canadian, Mr. Lansing, lived in China from a young age. When he was running for Lieutenant Governor in Canada, his opponent attacked him saying, "I heard you were raised on a Chinese wet nurse's milk, so you must have Chinese blood." Lansing replied, "That's right. I was raised on a Chinese wet nurse's milk. But, I have verified evidence that you were raised on cow's milk. So, you must have cow's blood." Based on his opponent's logic, Lanning produced an absurd conclusion and readily refuted his opponent's fallacy with a bit of humor.
Humor is also the lubricant of family life. It helps to ease nerves and creates a harmonious and friendly atmosphere. Shortly after a young couple was married, the husband expressed his chauvinistic side when telling his wife, "In this house, I make the decisions, and you do what I say." This type of attitude could have easily resulted in quarreling. However, the wife calmly and gently replied, "Okay, when we agree on something, I will do what you say. But, when we disagree, you do what I say." With this simple remark, the wife completely diffused a tense situation.
Humor serves as a breath of fresh air in our lives, and it is like a chemical reaction neutralizing all types of acidic feelings. It can even turn hostility into friendship. In China's Wanrong County, Shanxi Province, a place widely famous for its humorous stories, two men were once quarreling. One said, "Why are you so unreasonable?" The other man replied, "If I am so unreasonable, why are you trying to reason with me." Thus, a "war of words" was prevented with a bit of laughter.
In another instance, the German poet Goethe was walking in the park when he encountered a critic. The man said, "I never give way to idiots." Chuckling, Goethe stepped aside and said, "I do." Humor, in such cases, allows the offended to be mollified, while the offender recognizes his error and still maintains face. This obviously produces far better results than unreasonable arguments or direct apologies. With laughter, Goethe indirectly called his critic an idiot, and the critic had no choice but accept. Goethe not only was successful in reversing the criticism, but he also expressed his wit and left behind a wonderful story for future generations.
The German writer and philosopher, Engels, believed that humor is an indication of wit, upbringing, and sense of morality. Humor functions to enrich life and make it more joyful. Humor is inherently relaxing, but to acquire it takes hard work. Humor itself is entertaining, but cultivating a sense of humor requires painstaking efforts. So, it is important to heighten our appreciation of humor and strive to derive its life-giving nourishment. We should gain certain skills to use humor in conveying a serious message and make our lives more pleasurable.